If I were to take you on a personal culinary tour across the islands, these are the exact spots I’d bring you to the places that, in my opinion, capture the true heart and soul of Filipino food!!
Map
Sections
3
Luzon
Visayas
Mindanao
Luzon
When I’m in Luzon, I look for that perfect mix of Kapampangan tradition and the sophisticated energy of Manila.
I’d start here for a "fancy" night. They take simple things like Bahay Kubo vegetables and turn them into art.
Toyo Eatery
You can’t say you’ve had Sisig until you’ve had it here. It’s smoky, fatty, and legendary.
Aling Lucing Sisig | Angeles City
This is where I go when I want to feel special. The cool breeze and the world-class steak are worth the drive.
Antonio's Restaurant | Tagaytay
I love Chef Claude Tayag’s hospitality. Sitting in his wooden house eating Lechon five different ways is an experience, not just a meal.
Bale Dutung | Angeles City
I enjoy picking out live shrimp and fish myself and having the nearby stalls cook them in garlic butter right away.
Dampa sa farmers market cubao quezon city
I never leave the mountains without a warm jar of their Ube Jam. I usually eat half of it with a spoon before I even get home.
Good Shepherd Cafe
I always challenge friends to try their Level 3 Sili Ice Cream. It’s cold, creamy, and then suddenly... fire.
1st Colonial | Daraga
When I crave nostalgia, I go for their Chicken BBQ with that thick, sweet Java sauce and sparks of atchara.
The Aristocrat Restaurant | Manila
I go here to see the future of our food. They use indigenous ingredients I’ve never even heard of in ways that blow my mind.
Hapag
Visayas
Visayas is my "happy place" for comfort food. It’s all about the freshest catch and the best roasted pig on earth.
I always ask for the "rib" part. The skin is like glass and the meat is already seasoned—no sauce needed.
House of Lechon (@HouseOfLechonCebu)
I head straight to Manokan Country. There’s something about eating Inasal with your hands and pouring chicken oil over garlic rice.
Aida's Chicken - Manokan Country
I like my Batchoy extra "special" with lots of bone marrow and crushed pork cracklings (chicharon).
Netong's Restaurant | Iloilo City
I could sit here all afternoon with a slice of Sans Rival cake and a coffee, looking out at the boulevard.
Sans Rival Bistro | Dumaguete City
Their Chorizo Burger is my ultimate hangover cure after a night on the beach.
The SUNNY SIDE CAFE GROUP
I love the chaos here. Picking out BBQ skewers and eating "Puso" (hanging rice) under the smoke and lights.
Larsian
I always line up for the Queen Siopao. It’s huge, filled with bacon and Chinese sausage—it’s a meal in itself.
Roberto's Iloilo
I dream about their Seafood Kare-Kare. It’s the best version I’ve had in the Visayas.
Gerarda's Family Restaurant Bohol | Tagbilaran City
I go here for the view. Eating Bakasi (eel) while the sun sets over the Cebu skyline is unbeatable.
Lantaw Native Restaurant - Cordova
Mindanao
Mindanao food feels like an adventure to me. The flavors are deeper, spicier, and unlike anything else in the country.
I’m obsessed with their Alavar sauce. I’ll put it on Curacha crabs, prawns, and even just my rice.
Alavar Seafood Restaurant
Their "Unforgettable Pork Ribs" really are unforgettable. They fall off the bone the moment you touch them.
Lachi's
This is my favorite breakfast in the south. Small skewers of meat swimming in a sea of sweet-spicy red sauce.
Satti
I go for the history and the view. I usually order the Grilled Tuna Jaw (Panga)—it’s massive and juicy.
Jack's Ridge
This is my go-to "budget" meal. It’s just $0.50 for a banana leaf wrap of rice and savory shredded chicken, but it’s so satisfying.
GRILLED PASTIL in Cotabato City! Available at Thalal Resto. Location
love getting my hands dirty here. They dump a bag of spicy seafood right on the table in front of you.
Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps (@BluePostsBoiling)
If I’m with a big group, we go here. The steamed fish and salted radish cake are staples of my Davao trips.
Ahfat Seafoods Plaza
I tell everyone to try this black soup. The burnt coconut gives it a smoky, earthy flavor that you can't find anywhere else.
Tiyula Itum – Zamboanga's Rainy Day Comfort Food - Talaarawan Ni Rocha
After a long day of surfing, I head here for their Spanish-Filipino fusion. Their tapas are some of the best on the island.
